Labour gains in by-elections surge

Labour gained in the latest council by-elections, taking one seat from Tories and coming close to winning another.

There were large swings to the party in two of this week's three contests.

Its candidate Anne Hobbs triumphed at Rowley, Stafford Borough. Former town MP David Kidney signed her nomination papers.

Labour also slashed the majority to 72 in what had seemed a safe Conservative ward at Kemsley, Swale Borough, Kent.

This result saw Ukip advance by more than 10%.

Labour's vote share did tumble at Baylis and Stoke, Slough Borough, although Tories and Liberal Democrats failed to fight.

RESULTS

Slough Borough - Baylis and Stoke: Lab 1,300, Ind 764, Ukip 82, No description 68. (May 2011 - Lab 2,351, C 349, Lib Dem 225). Lab hold.

Stafford Borough - Rowley: Lab 620, C 540, Green 67, Ukip 61. (May 2011 - Two seats C 868, 783, Lab 759, 711, Green 222, Lib Dem 146). Lab gain from C. Swing 5.4% C to Lab.

Swale Borough - Kemsley: C 384, Lab 312, Ukip 279, Lib Dem 166. (May 2011 - Two seats C 830, 797, Lab 461, 397, Ukip 230, Lib Dem 122). C hold. Swing 8.8% C to Lab.

PA